My Humanity is Caught Up in Yours

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Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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My Humanity is Caught Up in Yours

October 07, 2026

By Tracy Abler, Justice Coordinator

October 7 is an anniversary that trauma built. The trauma of centuries of suffering of the Jewish people and also of the Palestinian people, of anger seething beneath the surface unaddressed, of terrible hurt and pain unnamed and unexplored together. It is also Bishop Desmond Tutu’s birthday which Rev. Cameron Trimble uses to try to help us all think through the nuances of this seemingly intractable situation together and feel it together as human beings—together.

In her October 7, 2026, online post, Rev. Trimble reminds us of a common quote from Desmond Tutu, which is: “My humanity is caught up in yours. And if you are dehumanized, I am dehumanized.” She then shares a beautiful meditation.

Read the meditation.

Then consider her reflection questions:

Has there been a grief or trauma in your own life that changed the way you saw other people? What did it help you see, and what might it have made harder to see?

Where have you encountered memory being used to preserve dignity and truth, and where have you seen remembered suffering used to justify new harm?

What would it mean to honor your own grief fully while refusing to let it determine the boundaries of your compassion?

On behalf of Sister Peg Spindler, CSA, we Sister of St. Agnes, hold all of you who are hurting on this day, ALL OF YOU, in the deep, loving care of our hearts, too.

Tags: learning

Posted in Peace & Nonviolence